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“Certainly through the offseason and the first couple of days in camp, he’s showcased his talent level,” Ryan said. “I can see him having a really good year for us. He’s been fitting in really well with the receiving corps we have.”

During the team’s Red-White scrimmage on Monday, Ryan and Ridley connected a few times, but were on the losing team.

“Hard worker, very hard worker,” Jones said. “He listens to everything, he wants to be great.”

Ridley has been a receptive learner.

“He’s not a guy that thinks he knows everything,” Jones said. “First round guys, guys can be stuck in their own ways and things like that, but he comes to work. I love his attitude and I love his work ethic and everything about him.”

4. Replacing Gabriel. Ridley was drafted to essentially replace Taylor Gabriel, who had 11 plays of 19 yards or more and five long touchdowns (76, 64, 47, 35 and 25 yards) during the Falcons march to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season. Gabriel, who left for the Bears in free agency, had only one touchdown last season, which went for 40 yards. He only had four plays for 19 yards or more.

Ridley’s job will be to make teams pay for double-teaming Jones as Gabriel did in 2016.

Ridley didn’t want to share his goal for the season.

“I’m out there trying to get better,” Ridley said.

One of the key lessons that Ridley has learn from Jones has been taking care of his nutrition and hydration.

5. Beating the heat. He suffered a cramp at the end of practice on Saturday, but was back in action at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday.

“All day long, they’ve got guys handing us water and Gatorades,” Ridley said. “We drink, drink and drink all day. Sometimes that doesn’t even work and the heat will get you. I’m going in the cold tub and hot tub and getting treatment. I’m doing what I have to do.”

Whatever happens, Ridley believes his work ethic will serve him well.

“I just think I have a lot of energy,” Ridley said. “We’ll get out of the meeting, I’ll go in the weight room and do curls right quick and then go back to another meeting. I just feel like I need to move and I have a lot of energy.”

The Falcons hope that energy translates into big plays and touchdowns.

6. Duke Riley update. Sat down with Duke Riley on Monday. He was rather frank about his rookie season and his plan to get better. The interview is featured below in the 67th episode of The Bow Tie Chronicles podcast.

7. Ryan on Sarkisian. Ryan and second-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian are hoping to lead a rebound of the offense.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence,” Ryan said. “Obviously, Sark is a lot more comfortable with the personnel. Knowing what guys to use in certain situations. I think that just comes with experience. We all kind of have a feel for his (style) as well.”

8. Fullback battle. With the release of Daniel Marx, the Falcons only have two fullbacks on the roster.

It’s likely that the opening day fullback is not on the training camp roster.

Luke McNitt and Ricky Ortiz remain on the roster, but if a veteran gets released by another team the Falcons may make a move.